Fundraiserfor firefighters wraps up Saturday night in Nashua

NASHUA - Bagpipers and firefighters tending bar will highlight the end of a two-week fundraiser benefiting firefighters at the Peddler's Daughter restaurant Saturday night.

With some of the money dedicated to the Nashua Fireman's Relief Association and the rest going to the Leary Foundation, event organizers said the money will be going to a good cause.

Deputy Chief Kevin Kerrigan, who is also president of the relief association, said that actor Dennis Leary started the Leary Foundation after he lost friends in a Worcester, Mass., fire. He added that the nonprofit does an excellent job of purchasing equipment for departments that can't afford it.

For a minimum of $1, patrons can purchase a small cutout of a fire helmet, which is then mounted on the wall of the restaurant. Peddler's Daughter Manager Tom Douggan, who said he is not sure how much has been raised so far, said, "It's been going well, the community has been very receptive, and it goes hand-in-hand with the fire department."

Douggan said fireman helmets are plastered on the walls all across the restaurant.

Kerrigan said the money would be very useful for the relief association, which is designed to help firefighters and their families when someone is hurt or killed on the job.

"It is just a small monthly amount, not very much, it is just meant to help each other out, almost like small insurance for local firefighters," Kerrigan explained.

Kerrigan added the relief association also operates soda and candy machines for firefighters who are on duty and can't leave the building, maintains the department's honor guard, and helps raise money for the Nashua Children's Home and local soup kitchens.

"We raise money for us but we also give back to the community," Kerrigan said.

He added he was very appreciative to the staff of the Peddler's Daughter.

"I think it's great they are willing to do stuff like this and sponsoring events down there. They are very good about supporting the community," he explained.